From Lucignano the route starts over the flat flood plain of the Arbia before begining the climb over the hill towards Asciano.
Along this stretch the looming shape of Monte Amiata is a constant companion on the southern horizon.
Monte Amiata rises to 1,738m and is an extinct volcano ... enough volcanic activity however remains to supply a number of thermal springs ... one of which I was to pass through later.
Fortunately even on a Sunday there are a selection of bars and cafés open in Asciano ... and for cyclists little encouragement is required to stop for a coffee and brioche.
From Asciano I turned south-east towards Val d'Asso.
After a gentle start the road climbs more steeply up to a ridge and turns westwards.
In the heat of a May morning the road signs advising the use of snow chains seem rather incongruous.
Near the top the unstable calachi (cliffs) have been eroded to form steep gullies and ravines.
Almost at the highest point lies the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
The gatehouse to the Abbazia contains a good café-restaurant and ... a good hour having passed since the last refreshment it was necessary to stop and sample their fare.
The Abbazia is rightly famous for a Renaissance fresco cycle a life of St Benedict.
The frescos are painted on the four walls of the Great Cloister.
The cycle was begun by Luca Signorelli in 1497 and completed by Il Sodoma by 1508.
Sodoma, as well has having a liking for young men, maintained a sizable menagerie of pets - including badgers, apes, tortoises and mountain cats - many of which are depicted in the panels.
After a tour of the abbey's cloister it was prudent to re-visit the café to fortify oneself for the rest of the journey.
From the Abbazia the road descends back towards the Valle d'Arbia.
On the way down, Monte Oliveto Maggiore can be glimpsed through the trees.
The descent continues for almost 10km with the wild crete scenery gradually changing to a rich agricultual environment as Buonconvento approches.
Buonconvento is a walled town, originally built in the 14th Century.
The walls are largely intact as is the North Gate - Porta Senese - with its arched entrance.
More recent builders have constructed dwellings just inside the walls and have pierced windows through the original battlements.
Like many Sienese towns Buonconvento is divided into contrade or districts.
Each contrada has its own coat-of-arms which is displayed on flags or plaques on the walls throughout the contrada.
Pregnant mothers are supposedly rushed back to their own contrada to give birth, so that their children inherit the relevant rights - although I didn't notice this happening when I was there.
As the day cooled off more people came out on the streets - some playing football, one painting, - or, like me, having una birra or uno gelato at the local bar.
Throughout Tuscany the same few colours predominate - the emerald green fields, the blue skies, the red brick and the dark green or brown shutters.
The local Museum of Agricultural History however had been rather daring - going for pale blue shutters.
Just outside the town walls the local Sunday market was in full swing with local produce such as hams and cheese for sale along side shoes and clothes.
Several of the buildings in Buonconvento have Art Nouveau features - these stand out alongside the rather spartan exteriors of their neighbours.
Kirby James
